COLLEGE is nothing like high school -Reflections form a recent graduate.
Feb 2014
What kinds of reading/writing did you experience during your first
year of college? (types of papers/lengths/MLA or APA style?)
Everyone has to take a freshman English class, and then either a sophomore or senior English (depends on the school). In these classes, you write several different papers: memoirs, persuasive, argument, analysis, proposal papers, and research papers. Every paper I have written had a length requirement of at least 4 or 5 pages. Most teachers require MLA format and are very strict on citations and plagiarism. In fact, any professor from for any class can submit your paper to a site called “Turn-it-in” where it cross-references it with everything on the internet, as well as PAPERS FROM STUDENTS OF OTHER SCHOOLS, to make sure you have not plagiarized.
In some classes, the professor may require APA format. I took a biology research class and we used APA style. We were also only allowed to find and use information from published journals that were directly about conducted research.
>Has the grading (assessment) been harder or easier in college?
The grading style is definitely harder. Some professors are more laid back than others, but most of them want to make sure you complete everything EXACTLY as they asked you to. Some classes have online discussions you are required to participate in, and a few of my teachers have required that you provide cited evidence and reasoning to support your opinion or argument. Most professors also do not accept late work! Be sure to always turn your work in on time.
>How many “grades” are counted in college (just mid-term exams and papers…or does participation/attendance count)?
The grading varies for each class. Some professors will only give you a grade for two or three exams (which could each be worth hundreds of points!), while others may give grades based on attendance, participation, homework, papers, etc. I have taken several classes where I only had two 300-point exams for my grade: one was the mid-term and the other the final, both cumulative. Another class gave grades for several assignments, but if you missed more than two classes you were given an “F” for not attending.
>What important “tips” about college are most pressing to pass along? (Time management? Social skills? Amount of study time? Other???)
Study, study, study! DON’T wait until the last minute to study…it just makes your college experience stressful. DON’T procrastinate! Make sure you always have everything that needs to be printed already printed and stapled or paper clipped, and make sure you complete all online assignments beforehand! If your printer stops working or your internet stops working, your professor will not accept those assignments late. Every professor I have had so far has said that any late assignments are our own fault, and malfunctions with technology do not make it acceptable to turn an assignment in late.
Be sure to read over the syllabus! Assignments and tests are usually posted on the syllabus, and it is NOT the professors responsibility to remind you that they are due if they are already provided on the syllabus.
Go to your professor’s office hours! They all have them. Get to know your professor so that they can help guide and mentor you through your studies. It makes a huge difference when you seek help from them, and they often times will inform you of upcoming opportunities in your college!
Schedule an advising appointment with your academic advisor each semester before you register! This helps make sure you are on the right track with your degree so that you don’t get behind on classes, and so that you are heading down the path you want to.
Get involved! Join clubs and organizations that you are interested in. This is a GREAT way to network and make TONS of new friends! Go to the internship events that your school provides. Getting involved in activities at school will make your experience very fun and exciting, and it opens up doors for future opportunities. If you live on campus, go to the dorm activities that your hall provides each week! These are fun and sometimes they provide free food (every college student loves free food) and prizes!
Everyone has to take a freshman English class, and then either a sophomore or senior English (depends on the school). In these classes, you write several different papers: memoirs, persuasive, argument, analysis, proposal papers, and research papers. Every paper I have written had a length requirement of at least 4 or 5 pages. Most teachers require MLA format and are very strict on citations and plagiarism. In fact, any professor from for any class can submit your paper to a site called “Turn-it-in” where it cross-references it with everything on the internet, as well as PAPERS FROM STUDENTS OF OTHER SCHOOLS, to make sure you have not plagiarized.
In some classes, the professor may require APA format. I took a biology research class and we used APA style. We were also only allowed to find and use information from published journals that were directly about conducted research.
>Has the grading (assessment) been harder or easier in college?
The grading style is definitely harder. Some professors are more laid back than others, but most of them want to make sure you complete everything EXACTLY as they asked you to. Some classes have online discussions you are required to participate in, and a few of my teachers have required that you provide cited evidence and reasoning to support your opinion or argument. Most professors also do not accept late work! Be sure to always turn your work in on time.
>How many “grades” are counted in college (just mid-term exams and papers…or does participation/attendance count)?
The grading varies for each class. Some professors will only give you a grade for two or three exams (which could each be worth hundreds of points!), while others may give grades based on attendance, participation, homework, papers, etc. I have taken several classes where I only had two 300-point exams for my grade: one was the mid-term and the other the final, both cumulative. Another class gave grades for several assignments, but if you missed more than two classes you were given an “F” for not attending.
>What important “tips” about college are most pressing to pass along? (Time management? Social skills? Amount of study time? Other???)
Study, study, study! DON’T wait until the last minute to study…it just makes your college experience stressful. DON’T procrastinate! Make sure you always have everything that needs to be printed already printed and stapled or paper clipped, and make sure you complete all online assignments beforehand! If your printer stops working or your internet stops working, your professor will not accept those assignments late. Every professor I have had so far has said that any late assignments are our own fault, and malfunctions with technology do not make it acceptable to turn an assignment in late.
Be sure to read over the syllabus! Assignments and tests are usually posted on the syllabus, and it is NOT the professors responsibility to remind you that they are due if they are already provided on the syllabus.
Go to your professor’s office hours! They all have them. Get to know your professor so that they can help guide and mentor you through your studies. It makes a huge difference when you seek help from them, and they often times will inform you of upcoming opportunities in your college!
Schedule an advising appointment with your academic advisor each semester before you register! This helps make sure you are on the right track with your degree so that you don’t get behind on classes, and so that you are heading down the path you want to.
Get involved! Join clubs and organizations that you are interested in. This is a GREAT way to network and make TONS of new friends! Go to the internship events that your school provides. Getting involved in activities at school will make your experience very fun and exciting, and it opens up doors for future opportunities. If you live on campus, go to the dorm activities that your hall provides each week! These are fun and sometimes they provide free food (every college student loves free food) and prizes!